Computer-equipped mobility device for connecting to a network

ABSTRACT

A computer-equipped mobility device for transporting an occupant of the device over a distance and for providing access to a network comprises a personal mobility device and a computer. The computer is coupled to the personal mobility device and is configured to link to the network as well as to engage in two-way communication with the network. The occupant of the computer-equipped mobility device can operate the computer while operating the personal mobility device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to computer-equippedmobility devices. More specifically, the present invention relates tocomputer-equipped mobility devices that provide access to a networkwhile the computer-equipped mobility device is in use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Hospital campuses are growing and expanding to accommodate thedemand for quality patient care. As a result, it is becoming very commonfor healthcare professionals to travel considerable distances to getfrom their office in one building to hospital rooms in another, or toyet another building for clinical consultations. Such traveling fromplace to place can take a significant amount of time. While the use ofexisting personal mobility devices helps to reduce the time required tomove between two places, it does not completely eliminate it. Thus, evenwith existing personal mobility devices, the amount of travel time canstill account for a significant portion of a doctor's day.

[0003] This increase in the amount of time doctors must spend travelingbetween different locations means doctors have less time to review theinformation they need to treat their patients and less time to addressthe calls, pages, e-mails, faxes, etc. they are bombarded with each day.Moreover, as the amount of time a doctor spends traveling each dayincreases, it becomes increasingly more likely that doctors will becalled upon to address urgent situations while they are traveling. Butin order to adequately address these situations, doctors may sometimesneed to review vital patient information. However, doctors generally areunable to acquire such information while they are traveling. Currently,the best way for a doctor to access the patient information needed toaddress a certain matter is either to find an unoccupied workstation inthe hospital enterprise or to travel back to the office. Both of theseoptions increase the total amount of travel time, and neither of themallow a doctor to respond in a timely fashion. Accordingly, there is aneed for a personal mobility device that allows doctors (as well asother people in similar situations) to make efficient use of theincreasing amount of time they are traveling. There is also a need for apersonal mobility device that allows doctors to quickly access clinicalinformation while traveling between different locations.

[0004] Generally, a person's arms and hands must be used to operate apersonal mobility device. For example, the use of a person's hands andarms may be required to steer the personal mobility device and possiblyto control the throttle. Thus, the ability to utilize the driver's handsand arms for other purposes, such as accessing patient information orreceiving phone calls from a cellular phone, is limited. While thedriver's hands can be freed up by pulling over and stopping the personalmobility device, doing so only increases the time it takes to get to thedesired location. Accordingly, there is a further need for a personalmobility device that allows a doctor to receive phone calls and toaccess needed information without substantially interfering with thedoctor's ability to operate the personal mobility device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a computer-equippedmobility device for transporting an occupant of the device over adistance and for providing access to a network comprises a personalmobility device and a computer. The computer is coupled to the personalmobility device and is configured to link to the network as well as toengage in two-way communication with the network. The occupant of thecomputer-equipped mobility device can operate the computer whileoperating the personal mobility device.

[0006] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a conversionkit for converting a personal mobility device into a computer-equippedmobility device comprises a computer and a support member. The computeris configured to link to a network. The support member is coupled to thecomputer and is for coupling to the personal mobility device.

[0007] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, acomputer-equipped mobility device for transporting an occupant of thedevice over a distance and for providing access to a network within anetwork accessible area comprises a personal mobility device and acomputer. The computer is coupled to the personal mobility device and isconfigured to link to the network through wireless communication whenthe computer-equipped mobility device is within the network accessiblearea.

[0008] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, acomputer-equipped mobility device for transporting an occupant of thedevice over a distance and for providing access to a hospitalinformation system within a system accessible area comprises a personalmobility device, a support member, and a computer. The personal mobilitydevice is configured to accommodate a single occupant and comprises atleast two wheels, a platform disposed between the at least two wheels, acolumn extending from the platform and having a first end coupled to theplatform, and handlebars coupled to a second end of the column. Thesupport member is coupled to the personal mobility device, and thecomputer is detachably coupled to the support member. The computer isconfigured to link to the hospital information system through wirelesscommunication and to provide at least one of patient charts, patientstatus information, and patient monitoring information when thecomputer-equipped mobility device is within the system accessible area.The computer is one of a tablet PC, a PDA, a laptop, and a pocket PC.

[0009] In still another exemplary embodiment of the invention, acomputer-equipped mobility device for connecting to a network comprisesa means for transporting an occupant over a distance and a means forlinking to the network and for engaging in two-way communication withthe network. The linking means is operable while the occupant isoperating the transporting means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a computer-equipped mobilitydevice according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the computer-equippedmobility device of FIG. 1.

[0012]FIG. 3 is a partial rear perspective view of a computer-equippedmobility device according to another embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0013]FIG. 4 is a process used in connection with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0014]FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a computer-equipped mobilitydevice according to yet another embodiment of the present inventionshown with an occupant.

[0015]FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the systems employed in acomputer-equipped mobility device according to a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, computer-equipped mobility device 10may include a personal mobility device 20, a computer support member 30,a computer 40, a user input device support member 50, and a user inputdevice 60.

[0017] Referring now to FIG. 1, personal mobility device 20 may be oneof a variety of personal modes of transportation. For example, personalmobility device 20 may be a SEGWAY™ human transporter (trademark ownedby Segway LLC), a scooter, a bicycle, a moped, or other similar devicedesigned to transport one or two passengers over relatively shortdistances. Depending on its design, personal mobility device 20generally includes a platform 22, a column 24, and handlebars 26, eachof which is conventionally known within the art and may take a varietyof shapes and configurations. Platform 22 is a rigid surface thatsupports the weight of an occupant 15 (shown in FIG. 5) and may bedesigned such that an occupant 15 may sit or stand on it. Platform 22may be made from a variety of different materials and take a variety ofdifferent shapes. Column 24 is a generally vertical member that includesa first end 25 and a second end 27. First end 25 is coupled to platform22 such that column 24 extends upwardly from platform 22, placing secondend 27 distal platform 22. Column 24 can take a variety of differentshapes and be made from a variety of different materials, as long as theshape and materials allow column 24 to provide sufficient support forhandlebars 26. Handlebars 26 extend generally horizontally from secondend 27 of column 24. Handlebars 26 may be designed to provide a stablestructure that occupant 15 may use to maintain balance while on personalmobility device 20, and/or may be designed to allow occupant 15 to steerpersonal mobility device 20. Additionally, various displays andmechanisms (not shown) may be coupled to handlebars 26 to control andmonitor the function of personal mobility device 20.

[0018] Referring now to FIG. 2, computer support member 30 (e.g.,bracket, support, connector, coupler, arm, brace, etc.) couples computer40 to personal mobility device 20 of computer-equipped mobility device10. Support member 30 includes a column arm 32 and a computer arm 36,and may be made from one or more of a variety of different materials,including metal alloys and polymers. Column arm 32 couples at a firstend 33 to column 24 and at a second end 34 to computer arm 36. First end33 may couple to column 24 in a wide variety of conventionally knownways. For example, first end 33 may include a circular clamp 35 thatgrips the circumference of column 24, or column arm 32 and personalmobility device 20 may include mating fasteners. Alternatively, firstend 33 of column arm 32 may be bolted onto personal mobility device 20or otherwise coupled to personal mobility device 20 through the use ofone of a variety of couplers, fasteners, and/or connectors.Additionally, column arm 32 may be pivotally coupled to column 24, oralternatively, may be rigidly coupled to column 24. Second end 34 ofcolumn arm 32 is pivotally coupled to a first end 37 of computer arm 36to allow computer arm 36 to pivot with respect to column arm 32. Thevarious methods of providing for such pivoting are conventionally knownwithin the art. A second end 38 of computer arm 36 is preferablypivotally and releasably coupled to computer 40 to allow computer 40 topivot with respect to computer arm 36 and to be released from supportmember 30 if desired. A variety of methods and structures that areconventionally known within the art may be used to provide the variousconnections described above.

[0019] Support member 30 allows occupant 15 to adjust the position ofcomputer 40, which gives occupant 15 the ability to position computer 40in a location that is most comfortable to occupant 15. The ability toadjust the position of computer 40 also helps to ensure that computer 40can be placed in a position that enhances the ability of occupant 15 tooperate computer-equipped mobility device 10. In alternativeembodiments, computer 40 may be coupled to personal mobility device 20through the use of a wide variety of other coupling mechanisms. Forexample, computer 40 may be coupled to personal mobility device 20 by abracket having only one arm, or it may be rigidly coupled to personalmobility device 20 such that computer 40 would not be moveable withrespect to personal mobility device 20. Through the use of differentcoupling arrangements (which are conventionally known within the art)computer 40 may be given various degrees of adjustability.

[0020] Computer 40, shown as a tablet PC, is one of a variety ofcomputers that are commercially available in the marketplace. Forexample, computer 40 may be one of a variety of personal computers,including but not limited to a laptop computer, a tablet PC, a personaldigital assistant (conventionally known as a PDA), a pocket PC, or someother version of a relatively small-sized computer. Generally, computer40 has its own power source, but in alternative embodiments, computer 40may utilize the power source of personal mobility device 10, if personalmobility device 10 includes its own source of power.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 3, computer-equipped mobility device 10 mayalso include a user input device support member 50 (e.g., bracket,support, connector, coupler, arm, brace, etc.) for coupling user inputdevice 60 to personal mobility device 20 of computer-equipped mobilitydevice 10. Support member 50, which may be one of a variety of couplingdevices conventionally known within the art, may take a variety ofdifferent shapes and configurations. It may also be made from one ormore of a variety of different materials, including but not limited tometal alloys and/or polymers. These aspects of support member 50 mayvary depending on the configuration of the user input device 60. Supportmember 50 serves to couple user input device 60 to personal mobilitydevice 20 in such a way, and in such a location, that occupant 15 ofcomputer-equipped mobility device 10 can use user input device 60 at thesame time occupant 15 is operating personal mobility device 20. Thus,support member 50 preferably is configured to couple user input device60 to personal mobility device 20 in a location close to where the handsof occupant 15 will be placed when occupant 15 is operatingcomputer-equipped mobility device 10. If personal mobility device 20includes handlebars 26, support member 50 normally couples user inputdevice 60 to handlebars 26. In an alternative embodiment,computer-equipped mobility device 10 may not include support member 50.Rather, personal mobility device 20 may be specifically designed toincorporate or to receive a particular user input device 60. In yetother alternative embodiments, computer-equipped mobility device 10 maynot include user input device 10, and therefore, would not requiresupport member 50.

[0022] User input device 60 is coupled to support member 50 (oralternatively, to personal mobility device 20) and allows occupant 15 toat least partially, if not completely, control the operation of computer40. In a preferred embodiment, user input device 60 may include adirection control member 64 and an activation member 66 that, together,mimic the operation of a conventional mouse. Direction control member 64and activation member 66 are located on personal mobility device 20 suchthat the thumb of occupant 15 may be used to operate direction controlmember 64 and the index finger of occupant 15 used to operate activationmember 66 at the same time occupant 15 is operating personal mobilitydevice 20. In alternative embodiments, user input device 60 may notinclude direction control member 64 and activation member 66, but rathermay include a keyboard, a joystick, or other device for controlling theoperation of computer 40.

[0023] Referring now to FIG. 6, user input device 60 is linked tocomputer 40 through link 100. Link 100 may be accomplished through theuse of wires connecting user input device 60 to computer 40, or throughthe use of wireless communication. Various wireless communicationtechnologies may be used including, but not limited to, those that makeuse of infrared light and/or radio frequencies, such as that used byBluetooth compatible devices.

[0024] As an alternative and/or additional way to at least partiallycontrol the operation of computer 40, a touch screen 42 (FIG. 3) may beprovided on computer 40. Touch screen 42 allows occupant 15 to dictatethe operation of computer 40 by selectively applying pressure toparticular portions of the display screen provided on computer 40. Inalternative embodiments, computer 40 (as well as user input device 60and touch screen 42 through computer 40) may be linked to personalmobility device 20 through link 102 and used to at least partiallycontrol and/or monitor the operation of personal mobility device 20.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, computer 40 is linked to a network 90.To provide computer 40 with access to network 90, signal transmittingand receiving nodes 95 may be intermittently dispersed within an area inwhich wireless communication capabilities are desired. Nodes 95 arelinked to network 90 through link 106 and are arranged such that whencomputer-equipped mobility device 10 enters the area in which nodes 95have been dispersed, computer 40 is able to wirelessly communicate withnodes 95 through a wireless link 104. Wireless link 104 may beaccomplished through the use of existing wireless communicationtechnologies, including those that use infrared light and/or radiofrequencies. As a result of link 104, computer 40 is provided withaccess to network 90 as it travels through the area in which nodes 95have been placed. More specifically, as computer-equipped mobilitydevice 10 enters the wireless communication area, it enters into thecommunication range of a particular node 95. As computer-equippedmobility device 10 moves through the area, it eventually travels beyondthe range of that particular node 95. However, prior to leaving therange of one node 95, it enters the range of another node 95, whichensures that computer-equipped mobility device 10 will never be out ofrange of a node 95 when it is in the wireless communication area. Thisprocess is continually repeated as computer-equipped mobility device 10moves through the wireless communication area. The arrangement of nodes95 (such as where they are placed and the distance between each of thenodes) may vary depending on the type of wireless technology utilized.

[0026] When computer-equipped mobility device 10 is within the networkaccessible area, computer 40 is linked to network 90 (through nodes 95)and provides occupant 15 with access to network 90. Once provided withaccess to network 90, occupant 15 is able to engage in two-waycommunication with network 90 (i.e. retrieve information from, and enterinformation into, the network) by providing commands to computer 40(either through the use of touch screen 42 and/or user input device 60).In a medical context, network 90 may be a hospital information systemthat includes various patient information and administrativeinformation. For example, the hospital information system may allowdoctors to access patient charts, to check data generated by patientmonitors, to adjust equipment settings, or to perform a multitude ofother tasks. The system may also generate alerts and warnings thatnotify a doctor when specific events occur to patients or when otherevents of interest occur. Essentially, computer 40 may be linked to avariety of different networks and may provide occupant 15 with a fullrange of communication options when computer-equipped mobility device 10is within the network accessible area.

[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, occupant 15 may also be able toutilize existing technologies, such as Voice Over IP (VoIP), to receivephone calls while computer 40 is linked to network 90. At step 200, thecomputer establishes a link with network 90. Then at step 210, computer40 receives an incoming call through network 90 while occupant 15 isoperating computer-equipped mobility device 10. At step 220, computer 40detects the call and generates an incoming call indication signal 130that indicates to occupant 15 that there is an incoming call. Incomingcall indication signal 130 may be one or both of a message displayed onthe computer screen (which may be touch screen 42) or a sound generatedby computer 40 that is associated with an incoming call. Computer 40then awaits a signal from occupant 15. At step 230, occupant 15 mayprovide a signal indicating that occupant 15 would like to answer thephone call by touching touch screen 42 in the appropriate location or byactivating user input device 60. In a preferred embodiment, user inputdevice 60 includes activation member 66, which allows occupant 15 tosignal computer 40 simply by activating activation member 66. Withactivation member 66 positioned proximate where the hands of occupant 15normally would rest while occupant 15 operates computer-equippedmobility device 10, occupant 15 may easily signal computer 40 to answerthe incoming call without substantially sacrificing the ability tooperate computer-equipped mobility device 10.

[0028] At step 240, occupant 15 simply does not activate user inputdevice 60 if occupant 15 does not wish to answer the incoming call. Ifcomputer 40 does not receive a signal to answer the incoming call aftera set period of time, computer 40 may be programmed to direct the callto the voice mail of occupant 15, which is linked to network 90 throughlink 108. The period of time after which computer 40 will direct thecall to voice mail may be set by occupant 15. For example, occupant 15may program computer 40 to transfer a call to voice mail after fourrings, after 20 seconds, immediately if occupant 15 is presentlyparticipating in a call, or after a variety of other programmable timeintervals. Occupant 15 may also program computer 40 not to direct a callto the voice mail of occupant 15, but rather to continue to generateincoming call indication signal 130 as long as the caller remains on theline.

[0029] Computer-equipped mobility device 10 may optionally include aheadset 70 that includes a speaker 72 and a microphone 74. Headset 70 islinked to computer 40 through link 110 and allows occupant 15 to engagein two-way communication with computer 40. Link 110 may be accomplishedthrough the use of a cord or through wireless communication. Thewireless communication may utilize existing infrared light and/or radiofrequency technologies, or other adequate wireless communicationtechnologies. In a preferred embodiment, link 110 is inactive until theneed arises for communication between headset 70 and computer 40. Forexample, the link between computer 40 and headset 70 is inactive priorto and at the time computer 40 detects an incoming call and generatesincoming call indication signal 130. However, when occupant 15 signalsto computer 40 that occupant 15 desires to answer the call by activatinguser input device 60 (or by touching touch screen 42 in the appropriatelocation), this indicates to computer 40 that there is a need toactivate link 110. Thus, at step 250, computer 40 receives the signalthat occupant 15 wishes to answer the call and detects whether headset70 is present.

[0030] If headset 70 is present, step 260 a consists of computer 40activating link 110. Once link 110 is activated, step 270 consists ofcomputer 40 providing a medium for two-way communication between thecaller and occupant 15. If computer 40 does not detect the presence ofheadset 70, step 260 b consists of computer 40 activating a link 112with a speaker 44 and a microphone 46 (also shown in FIG. 1) that may becoupled to, or included within, computer 40. Once link 112 is activated,step 270 consists of computer 40 providing a medium for two-waycommunication between the caller and occupant 15.

[0031] When occupant 15 is ready to end a call, occupant 15 simplyactivates user input device 60 a second time. At step 280, computer 40then terminates the call. During the last step 290, computer 40deactivates link 110 (if occupant 15 is using headset 70) or link 112(if occupant is not using headset 70). With user input device 60positioned proximate the location where the hands of occupant 15normally would rest while operating computer-equipped mobility device10, occupant 15 may easily answer and terminate a call withoutsubstantially sacrificing the ability to operate computer-equippedmobility device 10.

[0032] In addition to (or as an alternative to) controlling theoperation of computer 40 through the use of touch screen 42 and/or userinput device 60, occupant 15 may also control computer 40 through theuse of voice commands 80. Computer 40 may include voice recognitionsoftware that allows occupant 15 to control computer 40 by saying wordsassociated with specific computer commands. For example, when computer40 is generating an incoming call indication signal 130, occupant 15 maysay “answer,” which will cause computer 40 to answer the call.Similarly, occupant 15 may say “terminate” at the end of the call, whichcomputer 40 will recognize as the command to terminate the call.Computer 40 may be programmed to recognize a plurality of voice commands80 that cause computer 40 to take one of a multitude of possibleactions. In alternative embodiments, computer 40 may be linked topersonal mobility device 20 through link 102 such that occupant 15 mayat least partially control the operation of personal mobility device 20by speaking voice commands 80.

[0033] While the embodiments and application of the inventionillustrated in the figures and described above are preferred, it shouldbe understood that these embodiments are offered by way of example only.Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to a particularembodiment, but extends to various modifications that nevertheless fallwithin the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-equipped mobility device for transporting an occupant of the device over a distance and for providing access to a network, the computer-equipped mobility device comprising a personal mobility device and a computer coupled to the personal mobility device, the computer configured to link to the network and to engage in two-way communication with the network, wherein an occupant of the computer-equipped mobility device can operate the computer while operating the personal mobility device.
 2. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1, wherein the computer is a one of a tablet PC, a PDA, a laptop, and a pocket PC.
 3. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1, wherein the computer is configured to link to the network through wireless communication.
 4. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1, wherein the computer comprises a touch screen and wherein the touch screen is useable to at least partially control the operation of the computer.
 5. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1, wherein voice commands can be used to at least partially control the operation of the computer.
 6. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1, wherein the computer is detachably coupled to the personal mobility device.
 7. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1 further comprising a support member coupling the computer to the personal mobility device.
 8. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 7, wherein the computer is moveable relative to the personal mobility device.
 9. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 7, wherein the support member is detachably coupled to the personal mobility device.
 10. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 7, wherein the computer is detachably coupled to the support member.
 11. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1, wherein the computer is linked to the personal mobility device and wherein the computer is capable of performing at least one of the functions of controlling and monitoring the operation of the personal mobility device.
 12. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1, wherein the personal mobility device comprises at least two wheels, a platform disposed between the at least two wheels, a column extending from the platform and having a first end coupled to the platform, and handlebars coupled to a second end of the column.
 13. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1, wherein the personal mobility device accommodates only one occupant.
 14. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1, wherein the network is a hospital information system.
 15. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 13, wherein the computer is configured to provide patient information when the computer is linked to the hospital information system.
 16. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 14, wherein the patient information includes at least one of patient charts, patient status information, and patient monitoring information.
 17. A conversion kit for converting a personal mobility device into a computer-equipped mobility device, the conversion kit comprising: a computer configured to link to a network; and a support member coupled to the computer, the support member for coupling to the personal mobility device.
 18. The conversion kit of claim 17, wherein the computer is one of a tablet PC, a PDA, a laptop, and a pocket PC.
 19. The conversion kit of claim 17, wherein the computer is configured to link to the network through wireless communication.
 20. The conversion kit of claim 17, wherein the computer comprises a touch screen that is capable of at least partially controlling the operation of the computer.
 21. The conversion kit of claim 17, wherein the computer is configured to engage in two-way communication with the network.
 22. The conversion kit of claim 17, wherein the computer is movable relative to the personal mobility device.
 23. The conversion kit of claim 17, wherein the support member is detachably couplable to the personal mobility device.
 24. The conversion kit of claim 17, wherein the computer is detachably coupled to the support member.
 25. The conversion kit of claim 17, wherein the computer is configured to perform at least one of the functions of controlling and monitoring the operation of the personal mobility device.
 26. A computer-equipped mobility device for transporting an occupant of the device over a distance and for providing access to a network within a network accessible area, the computer-equipped mobility device comprising: a personal mobility device; and a computer coupled to the personal mobility device, the computer configured to link to the network through wireless communication when the computer-equipped mobility device is within the network accessible area.
 27. A computer-equipped mobility device for transporting an occupant of the device over a distance and for providing access to a hospital information system within a system accessible area, the computer-equipped mobility device comprising: a personal mobility device configured to accommodate a single occupant, the personal mobility device comprising at least two wheels, a platform disposed between the at least two wheels, a column extending from the platform and having a first end coupled to the platform, and handlebars coupled to a second end of the column; a support member coupled to the personal mobility device; and a computer detachably coupled to the support member, the computer configured to link to the hospital information system through wireless communication and to provide at least one of patient charts, patient status information, and patient monitoring information when the computer-equipped mobility device is within the system accessible area, wherein the computer is one of a tablet PC, a PDA, a laptop, and a pocket PC.
 28. A computer-equipped mobility device for connecting to a network, the computer-equipped mobility device comprising: a means for transporting an occupant over a distance; and a means for linking to the network and for engaging in two-way communication with the network, wherein the linking means is operable while the occupant is operating the transporting means. 